in brief

"Party in the Hangar" to celebrate diversity of Monterey Wine Country on Nov. 10

Imagine a deluxe airplane hangar teeming with all the delectable bites and wines a gourmand could wish for. Add music, access to wine and cuisine experts, and even helicopter rides over some of the planet's most stunning scenery, and you have the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association's (MCVGA) annual "Party in the Hangar." Sat., Nov. 10, 1-4 p.m. VIP admission $95, general admission $60 in advance, $70 at the door, $30 designated driver tickets and include a glass for water and soft drinks. For tickets and more information, visit www.MontereyWines.org. or call 831-375-9400.

Miniatures on display at the Monterey Museum of Art

A diverse collection of small-scale paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture created and generously donated by three hundred California artists will help the Monterey Museum of Art raise the money it needs to maintain its high standards. The opening and wine reception will take place in galleries decorated for the holidays at MMA, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey on Wed., Nov. 14, 5-7 p.m. Admission is free to MMA members and $10 for non-members which may be applied toward the purchase of raffle tickets. All proceeds from the raffle and the sale of the miniatures will benefit Museum programs. Raffle tickets are $5 each or $30 for a book of seven. Information: www.montereyart.org or 831-372-5477.

Football, subs, and prostate screenings at 'guys night out'

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula is holding a "guys night out" on Monday, Nov. 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m. with big-screen viewing of the 49ers vs. the Bears game, free submarine sandwiches and prostate screenings. Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer among men, following skin cancer. It can often be found early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man's blood. PSA tests will be provided in a private, confidential setting. The event is open to men (45-70) who have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer and who have not been screened in the last two years. The main conference room of Community Hospital, 23625 Holman Highway, Monterey. Registration is required. Information: 888-452-4667.

One of America's leading musicians, Jeffrey Kahane will perform a diverse recital for the Carmel Music Society, Sun. Nov. 11, 3 p.m., Sunset Theater, Carmel. The program includes works by Bach, Schubert, Schumann, Pavel Haas, and Chopin. Kahane will also perform two works composed by his son Gabriel. A free pre-concert talk by Dr. Anatole Leikin, faculty member at UC Santa Cruz begins at 2 p.m. in Studio 105. As a pianist, Kahane has appeared with most major orchestras in the United States and several European ensembles. As a conductor, Kahane served as music director of the Santa Rosa Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and Colorado Symphony Orchestra in Denver. Tickets: $48 to $60, $10 Full-time students w/ I.D., K-12 students FREE when accompanied by adult at special $10 price. Call 831-625-9938 or visit www.carmelmusic.org.

Volunteer as a literacy tutor

The Monterey County Free Libraries' literacy program (ReadMCFL) is looking for volunteers to serve as tutors. Its literacy programs focus on equipping neighbors with the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English better. New volunteers may join the program at any point during the year. Make a commitment of two hours per week for at least six months and get started making a difference in someone's life!

"Irving Berlin's White Christmas" opens at The Western Stage on Nov. 10

There's comedy, there's romance, and there's plenty of music by Irving Berlin in this Christmas card on stage presented in time for the holidays by The Western Stage. It opens on the main stage, Hartnell College Performing Arts Building on Nov. 10 and runs through Dec. 8. The production is directed by Jeff McGrath, production manager of TWS. "Irving Berlin's White Christmas" premiered in San Francisco in 2004 and has enjoyed a limited Broadway run and several national and international tours. It received two Tony Awards. Performances are Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Single tickets can be purchased at westernstage.com or through the box office at 831-755-6816. Group tickets of 15 or more can be purchased through Ron Cacas at 831-759-6012.Architecture and creativity explored at Carl Cherry Center.

Creative process explored

Between Earth and Sky, a lecture and slide presentation on architecture and creativity with Louis Roberts, will examine how we can maximize our creative potential. Roberts will talk about his engaging and innovative book about creativity, architecture and a balanced world, "Man Between Earth and Sky." The program is intended to provide a glimpse into the creative process. The book can be previewed at www.louisoroberts.com. The presentation will take place Thurs., Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts. Tickets: $10, Information: 624-7491.